Imagine a solar panel that can generate as much energy as the oil that can be extracted in a year. This idea is no longer just a concept, as a project to make it a reality is already underway. The plan involves creating a solar panel that never stops producing energy, but it faces many challenges. Installing solar panels in space is a significant milestone, as it can obtain more constant energy and the intensity of the light is ten times greater. There is no day or night, clouds, or storms in space, which makes it an ideal location for energy collection.
The energy collection process remains relatively the same, and the energy can be transmitted to land receptors using radio waves. This approach has the potential to change everything for the better. According to Long Lehao, the chief designer of the Long March rockets, the energy that this system would collect in a year is equivalent to the amount of oil that can be extracted from the Earth. This makes the project one of the greatest promises of renewable energy, comparable in scale to the Three Gorges Dam.
To make this project a reality, China has developed a special rocket called the Long March-9, which has the capacity to transport 150 tons. This rocket will play a crucial role in building the solar center in orbit, which will require multiple launches to assemble its components. The Long March-9 will also be essential for China’s plans to establish a lunar research base in 2035. While it may seem like a long time, the progress made so far is significant, and the project is moving forward.
China has already made significant advances, including building a space solar energy station in Bishan in 2021 and making progress with the “Project Chasing the Sun” in 2023. However, the project still faces significant technical and logistical challenges, particularly in transferring energy from space to Earth. Current experiments, such as those conducted by Caltech in 2023, have shown that it is possible to transmit energy wirelessly, but the scale of these achievements is still limited.
The assembly of a one-kilometer-wide structure in space will require precision and coordination never seen before. Nevertheless, this project marks the beginning of something much bigger. The implementation of a solar center in orbit can have a global impact, particularly in developing countries like Mexico. Access to clean energy without relying on fossil fuels can make a significant difference. However, Mexico must still work to catch up with countries like China in terms of energy development and adopt clean energy solutions.
The Chinese project marks a milestone in the search for solutions to address the energy crisis. If China manages to achieve this development, it can change everything. Meanwhile, Mexico must work to realize its potential and not be overshadowed by projects like this. The fact that China is pushing the boundaries of renewable energy should motivate other countries to do the same and work towards a more sustainable future.